“The purpose of this research is to study the effects of focussing on near targets on the back of the eye: its shape, the thickness of its choroid, and the orientation of its light sensing cells,” Mr Al Dossari said.

“The results will be compared for nearsighted and people with normal vision to better understand the progression of nearsightedness.”

Shortsightedness, or myopia, is very common in Australia affecting about 15 per cent of the population.

It usually starts developing in teenage years and can get worse over time.

“The results of this study will provide a better understanding of myopia development risk and the effectiveness of optical treatments,” Mr Al Dossari said.

“In the long-term, this study will be of benefit to people at risk of myopia development.”

The research team is looking for shortsighted and normally sighted males and females between 18 and 25.

Participants, who will receive a $20 gift voucher, will have a routine eye exam and some specialist tests including dilating the pupil of one eye using drops. Volunteers would need to commit to three visits and up to five hours of time.

Paramedical

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